Michigan - The Great Lakes State
Capital: Lansing | Abbreviation: MI | Region: Midwest | Population: 10.0 million
Quick Facts
| Population | 10,034,113 |
| Area | 96,714 sq mi (250,487 km²) |
| Population Rank | 10th |
| Area Rank | 11th (largest by total area) |
| Capital | Lansing |
| Largest City | Detroit (639K) |
| Statehood | January 26, 1837 (26th state) |
| Time Zones | Eastern & Central |
| Nickname | The Great Lakes State |
Interactive Map
🔴 Lansing (Capital)
About Michigan
Michigan is a Midwestern state with a population of over 10 million, making it the tenth-most populous state. Michigan's unique geography consists of two peninsulas - the Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula - separated by the Straits of Mackinac and connected by the Mackinac Bridge. The state capital is Lansing, while Detroit is the largest city and historic center of the American automotive industry. Michigan is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie.
Michigan has more freshwater coastline than any other political subdivision in the world - over 3,200 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. The state's name comes from the Ojibwe word "mishigami," meaning "large water" or "large lake." No point in Michigan is more than 85 miles from a Great Lake, and no point is more than 6 miles from an inland lake or stream. This abundance of water has shaped Michigan's economy, culture, and recreation.
Michigan's economy has historically been dominated by the automotive industry, earning Detroit the title "Motor City" and Michigan the nickname "The Automotive Capital of the World." The Big Three automakers - General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) - all have headquarters in metro Detroit. However, Michigan has diversified its economy to include manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, technology, and healthcare. The state is also a leader in cherry production, producing 75% of the nation's tart cherries.
Geography & Climate
Michigan's unique geography features two peninsulas and extensive Great Lakes coastline:
- Lower Peninsula: Mitten-shaped, contains 96% of population, major cities, agricultural areas
- Upper Peninsula: Sparsely populated, forests, mining heritage, rugged terrain
- Great Lakes: Bordered by Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie - 3,200+ miles of coastline
- Mackinac Bridge: 5-mile suspension bridge connecting peninsulas (opened 1957)
- Islands: Mackinac Island (no cars allowed), Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior
- Climate: Humid continental, lake-effect snow in winter, four distinct seasons
Major Cities
Detroit
Population: 639,111
Metro: 4.4M
Known For: Motor City, automotive industry, Motown music, Renaissance Center, comeback story
Grand Rapids
Population: 198,917
Metro: 1.1M
Known For: Furniture manufacturing, craft beer scene, Gerald Ford Museum, ArtPrize
Warren
Population: 139,387
Known For: Suburban Detroit, General Motors Tech Center, manufacturing
Sterling Heights
Population: 134,346
Known For: Automotive research, Fiat Chrysler headquarters, suburban community
Ann Arbor
Population: 123,851
Known For: University of Michigan, research hub, college town, high quality of life
Lansing
Population: 112,644
Known For: State capital, Michigan State University nearby, government, automotive
Automotive Industry Legacy
Michigan is the birthplace and center of the American automotive industry:
- Henry Ford: Revolutionized manufacturing with assembly line in Highland Park (1913), made cars affordable
- Big Three Headquarters: General Motors (Detroit), Ford (Dearborn), Stellantis/Chrysler (Auburn Hills)
- Motor City: Detroit earned nickname as center of auto manufacturing in early 1900s
- Innovation Hub: Autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, connected car technology
- Economic Impact: Automotive industry employs hundreds of thousands directly and indirectly
- Henry Ford Museum: Dearborn - world's largest indoor-outdoor museum complex
- Auto Shows: North American International Auto Show (Detroit) showcases latest innovations
Economy & Industry
Michigan has a diverse economy with major sectors:
- Automotive & Manufacturing: Vehicle production, parts suppliers, research and development, emerging EV technology
- Agriculture: Leading producer of cherries, blueberries, apples, Christmas trees, dairy, corn, soybeans
- Tourism: Great Lakes beaches, Mackinac Island, ski resorts, national parks, fall colors, wine country
- Technology: Growing tech sector in Detroit and Ann Arbor, software, IT services, automotive tech
- Healthcare: Major health systems, medical research, University of Michigan Health
- Furniture: Grand Rapids is historic furniture manufacturing center
- Higher Education: University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State contribute to economy and research
Music & Cultural Heritage
Michigan has made enormous contributions to American music and culture:
Motown Sound
Detroit's Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, created the "Motown Sound" and launched careers of legends including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Smokey Robinson. Motown Museum preserves this legacy at the original Hitsville U.S.A. studio.
Other Music Contributions
Michigan produced rock legend Bob Seger, Eminem (best-selling rapper of all time), Madonna, Aretha Franklin (Queen of Soul), and influential rock bands like MC5 and The Stooges. Detroit techno music emerged in the 1980s as an influential electronic music genre.
Interesting Facts
- Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state (over 120)
- Mackinac Island has banned motor vehicles since 1898 - transportation by horse or bicycle only
- Michigan produces 75% of America's tart cherries
- State has more than 11,000 inland lakes
- Kellogg's cereal company founded in Battle Creek (1906)
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore features stunning multicolored cliffs
- Isle Royale National Park is least-visited national park in lower 48 states
- Michigan Stadium (U of M) is largest stadium in US (107,000+ capacity)
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel was first international underwater tunnel (1930)
- Vernors ginger ale, created in Detroit (1866), is oldest American soft drink
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore voted "Most Beautiful Place in America"
- Michigan is only state consisting of two peninsulas
- More than 100 waterfalls in Upper Peninsula
- Coney Island hot dog style originated in Detroit and Flint
Neighboring States & Borders
Also borders: Canada (Ontario) via Detroit River, St. Clair River, and international bridges/tunnels | Four Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie)
Compare Michigan
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Compare Michigan